Needs Improvement
#2204 of 2,268 schools in GA
Smiley Elementary School
Elementary School · Long County
1530 Ga Highway 57, Ludowici, GA 31316
Enrollment
1,286
Student-Teacher
19.8:1
Score
3.0
Grades
Pre-K – 2nd
Enrollment
1,286
Student-Teacher
19.8:1
Score
3.0
Grades
Pre-K – 2nd
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Georgia schools
#2,204 of 2,268
In Ludowici
#4 of 4
public schools
In district
#4 of 4
Long County
Academic performance
7.3 / 10
Very Good
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Smiley Elementary School
Elementary School in Ludowici · grades Pre-K – 2nd. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Long County High School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Faith Baptist Christian Academy
1.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Smiley Elementary School
Smiley Elementary School is a public elementary school in Ludowici, GA, part of Long County. Smiley Elementary School serves approximately 1,286 students, and covers grades Pre-K-2nd, and has a 19.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Smiley Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.0 out of 10 and ranks #2,204 of 2,268 schools in GA.
Structured state assessment records for Smiley Elementary School show 67% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2017) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2017).
- This school 3.0 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 4.7
- GA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
Smiley Elementary School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
34% of students at Smiley Elementary School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Smiley Elementary School — Students at Smiley Elementary School score 40% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
73.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores GA EDFACTS (2016-17)
Based on 18 test records from GA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.1/10.
How Smiley Elementary School Compares
See how Smiley Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1530 Ga Highway 57, Ludowici, GA 31316
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Smiley Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Taylors Creek Elementary School (rated 6.8/10, 9.3 miles away, in nearby Hinesville), which scores notably higher. Another option is Bacon Elementary School (rated 6.7/10, 11.5 miles away, in nearby Jesup), which scores notably higher. Additionally, McClelland Elementary School (rated 6.3/10, 2.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Ludowici, see our Ludowici schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.6 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 31316 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$68,006
Median Home Value
$206,500
Median Rent
$989/mo
Population
13,421
College Educated
11.8%
Homeownership
70.7%
Avg Commute
30.6 min
Poverty Rate
14.2%
Median Age
34.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Chicopee Elementary School Gainesville, GA | 2.9 |
| Flint Hill Elementary Oxford, GA | 2.9 |
| Gould Elementary School Savannah, GA | 3.1 |
| Claxton Elementary School Claxton, GA | 3.2 |
| South Salem Elementary School Covington, GA | 2.8 |
| W.G. Nunn Elementary Valdosta, GA | 3.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Smiley Elementary School
What grades does Smiley Elementary School serve?
Smiley Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 2nd.
How many students attend Smiley Elementary School?
Smiley Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 1,286 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Smiley Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Smiley Elementary School is 19.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Smiley Elementary School rank in GA?
Smiley Elementary School ranks #2,204 of 2,268 schools in GA.
What is Smiley Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Smiley Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.0 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Smiley Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Smiley Elementary School has 67% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2017) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2017).
Is Smiley Elementary School a charter school?
No, Smiley Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Smiley Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Smiley Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Smiley Elementary School?
73.6% of students at Smiley Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 2nd
- Enrollment
- 1,286
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 65
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 73.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Long County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 34.4%
- Phone
- (912) 545-2147
Resources & Links
District
Long County- District Enrollment
- 4,572
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,699
- District Rank
- #4 of 4
Other Schools in This District
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